Thank you Victory Editing and NetGalley for the ARC!

3.75 Stars

I really appreciated the world building in this book and how easy it was to jump into the story. Sierra is a strong character who knows what she is about and what she wants from the start, Even though she has been betrayed, we jump right into her life, ready to take the world by storm. Her connection with the MMC was also witty and always left me wanting more. The cast of characters is quirky and fun and the fast pace keeps you intrigued the entire read.

I really wanted to love Take Back Magic—the concept sounded right up my alley, and I was excited to dive in. But the writing style just didn’t click for me, no matter how many chances I gave it. I found myself dreading picking it up, and reading started to feel like a chore (never a good sign). So, I had to DNF it. That said, I know every reader’s taste is different, and I can absolutely see how others might connect with it more than I did. If the premise speaks to you, it’s still worth giving a shot—you might find the magic I missed.

I wasn’t a huge fan of the writing style, but I enjoyed this enough to continue on the series.

I enjoyed the relationship between Sierra and Nariel. The banter was a lot of fun and I enjoyed the character development. I’m excited to see where the story goes.

I've just read this in one sitting. I couldn't wait to find out what happens next. I initially slightly resented this book, because I was hoping for Sundered Realms 2. But within a few pages I had slid into this new and fascinating universe and hugely enjoyed the build of personalities and relationships. The authors worlds just seem to fall into focus, like they were always there and you have just noticed them. Highly recommended.

I liked Take Back Magic, but it has a lot of room for growth. The characters are fun, the pacing is good, but it feels like it's just about there and yet not quite enough.

As a first book in a series, Take Back Magic had a lot of potential. I was drawn in by the beautiful cover and although the writing style wasn't really for me, I did enjoy the plot and the relationships being formed between the characters.

Sierra is a great FMC, she's strong, competent, and she knows what she wants, and exactly how to get it. Nariel is Sierra's opposite, he's more than happy to lurk in the shadows and watch as Sierra fight's for what she wants. The dynamics between them were so fun - their banter was top tier, and their relationship (although on the quieter emotional side) was great to read about.

I will definitely be reading on to continue this series when I get a chance.

3- ⭐

I'm so torn about this book 🤨
First of all this is book 1 of 3 in a fantasy series.

I loved the magical element, the way the author imagined the connections between our world and other magical worlds, the whole angel element was also very peculiar...
I loved the fact that the book began straight into action.
I also loved the two main characters and the chemistry between them. 🖤

BUT, there is a huge but. ⤵️
The storytelling did not deliver. It is an interesting story narrated in a boring way. Or better, the narration part is what's missing.
I suppose this writing style could work in a steamy romance with actions, actions, actions. But if I need to get involved into a new fantastical world I find that I do need a bit of background; also, poetical writing could work wonderfully. But a fantasy book cannot be all facts and action.

All this said I find myself struggling now because I do want to know what happens next but I don't know if I'm up to this type of writing again... 😬

Ⓟⓡⓔ—Ⓡⓔⓥⓘⓔⓦ

<s>I saw the beautiful cover and I just had to request this 😍 then read the plot and the magical world really intrigued me✨</s>

// Thank you to Netgalley, Casey Blair and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange of my honest opinion //

I have decided I am not the biggest fan of urban fantasy. The book was still interesting and I did like parts of it, I would recommend if that is your thing. However it was not my favorite book I have ever read.

This was a great fantasy book! The world building was top tier and it was a very enjoyable read. I would recommend!

First and foremost looooooove Sierra she was such a powerful FMC. Her chemistry with Nariel is unmatched. Loved the pacing of the story and I get fully satisfied with the ending no lose ends etc. the world building was fascinating I felt fully immersed in the story. Highly recommend.

This book was fun, and the plot had a tonne of potential! I didn't vibe very well with the writing style, but the plot was really interesting and the cover is divine! This book had a fantastic FMC who I was rooting for the whole time, and could not wait to see what she did next throughout the storyline. The pacing was well done, and the chemistry between the characters were probably my favourite part of this book!

Can't wait to read more from this author.

Thank you NetGalley for the eARC!

I was provided with this ARC in exchange for an honest review, thank you to Netgallery, Victory Editing and importantly Casey Blair.

Take Back Magic is a fast paced and dives straight into action, introducing us to our strong independent FMC Sierra, who wasn't afraid to grab hold of an opportunity that appeared (quite literally) in front of her and take advantage of it. Our MMC Nariel is a handsome shadow daddy with wings, always a bonus.

Sierra and Nariel become allys in their fight to take back magic (well named book) with their chemistry is subtle at first, and building further throughout the plot though it doesn't really kick off fully, I'm guessing this will be in the next book. The banter is more a focus and humorous.

I did enjoy the action and our strong female lead in this, however I hope there is further world building as it is a shorter story so does have this element missing. I did find my interestint wavering slightly in places but was able to finish it okay.

- Urban fantasy
- Strong fierce wizard FMC
- Mysterious shadow daddy MMC
- Demons, wizards and magical battles
- Banter all the way
- At the time of writing this review, available on Kindle Unlimited where the trilogy is available

The book was a little questionable at first. The start was a bit rough. It began at a very fast pace that left me a tad bit confused. It slowed to a nice pace later on which made the book much more enjoyable.

It was an interesting beginning to a fantasy series about angels and wizards. Sierra trained as a wizard's protegee for most of her life before being abruptly thrown back into a land where she can't use magic. Her one goal in life: bring back magic. With the help of Nariel (a possible new shadow daddy), she begins bringing magic back to lower earth bit by bit while inevitably fending off those trying to stop her.

It was a slow burn romance that was quite enjoyable. While Sierra wasn't my favorite character, I was still invested in the story. I thoroughly enjoyed Nariel. After that ending, I'm keen on seeing where the rest of the series goes.

3 star review rating.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an e-arc of this book.

An interesting concept howevere I did not get on with the writing style :(

A strong FMC is something I always love reading about, I enjoyed her taking her life back into her hands after a betrayal from somebody close to her. She is badass and isn’t afriad to show it. Despite not enjoying the book much, Nariel is perfect and I’m just a little sad I loved him but not the story itself.

If you love fantasy romance I would highly reccomend giving this book a try. Other tropes: MMC show daddy, fated mates, good baner and angst.

I hiiiiiighly enjoyed this book and can’t wait to read the next one. This was quick and fun, full of action and magic. Honestly what’s not to love here! I love the characters and can definitely see how much potential and growth is ready for the rest of the series! Really enjoyed this and can’t wait to get my hands on a copy and show it off. The cover is so cute! I think this could be a really big series if it can gain the traction is deserves!

God I wanted to like that book so much, we got a strong start where we have a lot going on (maybe too much informations dumping and a lot of characters) but the plot is very obvious and it felt a bit flat.

A new series from Casey Blake is always a fun surprise. The worlds that they create are always something completely new and this book is no exception. The worldbuilding was a bit heavy handed, but nothing to bog the reader down too much (my general rule is the best world building is when I can't point to the moments that it is happening because it's so well woven in). The plot and pacing of this book are so well done that the book seemed to fly through. Sierra is one of those FMCs that I love to read - she's got a huge chip on her shoulder, levels of petty I aspire to be, and although disadvantaged is more capable than anyone gives her credit for. Her dynamic with Nariel was perfect and while there is a the lack of trust I appreciated that there was little to no miscommunication and their relationship grew organically.
I think this book could benefit from another editing pass to make it truly incredible, but as it stands is a solid book and I look forward to reading the rest of the series.

Good writing, badass fmc, and a hot shadow daddy? That’s all I need in a book to give it 5*. I loved that the world was only slightly different to our own earth, so it was easy to understand and not hundreds of pages of world building!

I loved it! Fast paced and thrilling. From the start the story sucked me in and I was hooked. I really loved the concept with magic, angels, demons, and spirits. It was intriguing and I can’t wait to see more. Their relationship was fun and sweet. I can’t wait to see it develop further.

I truly loved this storyline. It has a unique magic system, wasn’t over complicated while still being really interesting. It has a great slow burn romance and a badass FMC who risks it all instead of settling for less. I will continue to read this series and am about to get book 2 because I want to know what she does next. However I think a lot of lines needed to be rewritten and edited at least one more time. I did have to read a few lines over and over bc they just weren’t making sense. That was my only disappointment in this story.